Escudo de las Américas demands respect for Colombia's election results

Thirteen countries, led by the United States, issued a joint statement on July 10 urging respect for Colombia's official election results and warning against any attempts to delegitimize the process Source: elnacionalve, listindiario. The statement, published by the U.S. Department of State, expressed “deep concern” over actions that undermine electoral integrity without justification Source: hoydo.

The Statement

The Escudo de las Américas — comprising Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago, and the U.S. — rejected any effort to discredit electoral authorities or obstruct the transition Source: portafolioco. The group emphasized that “the sovereign will of the citizens expressed freely at the polls constitutes the sole foundation of public power” Source: portafolioco.

The Reaction

President Gustavo Petro had previously refused to recognize the victory of president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, alleging fraud without evidence Source: elnacionalve. De la Espriella, backed by Donald Trump, accused Petro of plotting a “coup d'état” Source: listindiario. U.S. Senator Carlos Giménez (R) heightened tensions, warning that “anyone who impedes the transition will face the most severe consequences from the United States” Source: infobae.

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